
MOVEMENTS OF COYOTES FROM AND TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK 
By 
Weldon B. Robinson 
Biologist, Wildlife Research Laboratory, Branch of Wildlife Research 
and 
Maynard W. Cummings 
Assistant District Agent, Branch of Predator and Rodent Control i/ 
In 1945 the Denver Wildlife Research Laboratory was requested 
by the National Park Service and the Absaroka Conservation Committee to 
study the migratory habits of coyotes in the Yellowstone region. This 
request was prompted by the contention of neighboring ranchers and 
sportsmen in Montana that coyotes from Yellowstone Park spread to 
surrounding areas where they were not wanted. To deterwine the facts 
the Wildlife Research Laboratory, from 1945 to 1950, carried on a coyote- 
tagging program in the Yellowstone region. Although scattered records 
may yet be forthcoming, the bulk of the returns have been received and 
are set forth in this paper. 
Mere mention of cooperation cannot adequately acknowledge the 
immense contributions of others to this project. It has truly been a 
cooperative program with many agencies and individuals taking part. 
The Absaroka Conservation Committee suggested and sponsored the tagging 
study, and all details have been discussed regularly at its semiannual 
meetings. The National Park Service placed many facilities at the 
Laboratory's disposal, and Park Superintendent Edmund B. Rogers and his 
staff aided in all phases, especially in observing and collecting tagged 
animals. To assure the return of tags from outside areas the Absaroka 
Conservation Committee early in the study suggested a reward, and the 
participating Rod and Gun Clubs responded by offering $1.50 for each 

1/ Formerly Biologist, Wildlife Research Laboratory, Branch of 
Wildlife Research. The authors are greatly indebted to E. RK. Kalmbach, 
Director of the Laboratory, for guidance and advice and for critically 
reviewing this paper; to Biologist Robert W. Sears, formerly of the 
Laboratory, for assistance during a brief period in 195; and to Drs, 
O. J» Murie and Adolph Murie for valuable suggestions and field assistance 
at various times. 
